The clash between the civilization of the Igbo and the British bringing colonialism and their Christian religion to West Africa is reenacted in this novel through the perspective of Ezeulu, the Chief Priest of Ulu in Umuaro, a god who had originated from the need to fight the slave traders of neighboring Abame. A land dispute between the Okperi people and the Umuaro that results in a brief war is forcibly stopped by the British District Commissioner, Captain Winterbottom, and sets the stage for further British intrusion into Umuaro. The British master-plan for governing the Igbo, a plan with which Winterbottom, a seasoned colonial ruler, vehemently opposes because it invites exploitation and corruption, is to set up certain African leaders as British toadies. Conflict resolution, both British style and as the Igbo do it is thus a major concern, and it is often undermined by illconceived...